World War I was the conflict that resulted in unprecedented consequences taking more lives and including more countries than ever before. Moreover, it brought some considerable changes in society, culture, economy, and politics of the world structure. The broad scope of the fight and involvement of the mass destructive technologies make it the event that still affects future development. Multiple historical occurrences later were either directly or obliquely impacted by the incidents that happened between 1914 and 1918 (Sharp, 2018). This essay will consider the named conflict’s significant political, social, cultural, and economic outcomes and make relevant conclusions.
It is evident that the later events in world history were, to some extent, caused by the decisions made during or after WWI. As a result of Germany’s defeat in the war, other countries put enormous pressure on the land and forced to give their territories to France, Denmark, and Poland (Sharp, 2018). It was considered that Germany’s side was responsible for all of the destruction and consequences brought by the conflict. This fact contributed to the victory of Adolph Hitler and the Nazi party, later bringing the next world battle (Sharp, 2018). Ironically, the war, which was meant to end all conflicts, brought even more devastating and disastrous struggle.
Moreover, the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the Ottoman Empire broke up, leading to the arousal of multiple independent nations. The world political map changed dramatically after WWI. Last but not least, the Russian Empire was substituted by the communist party under the rule of Vladimir Lenin (Sharp, 2018). Hence, it can be seen that the monarchy left only in those countries which won the conflict, and defeated parties experienced significant changes.
The social consequences of WWI were the main reasons for the named political changes. The nations all around the world were torn out with the taxes and losses brought by the event. Winning parties heavily relied on their colonies, putting remarkably high pressure on the colonized people. Consequently, social circumstances in territories were detrimental for those nations leading to a high mortality rate (Sharp, 2018). The society in superior counties had difficulties in their lives and limitations as well, but those were more acceptable. Comparatively, the living conditions were better, and the colonies’ income allowed the nation to recover quickly.
The birth rate around the world declined significantly because of the high number of deaths among young women during the war. Moreover, as many female individuals worked at factories in place of men, they were given the right to vote, which was the first step in gender equality in world history (Sharp, 2018). Another action for social justice was the fact that the upper class lost their superiority. The reason for that was understanding of the importance of lower and working-class for recovery (Sharp, 2018). Many people lost their property and had to immigrate in pursuit of a better life. To keep the nation together, the government had to give people equal rights of voting and saying (Sharp, 2018). Such trends and actions began shaping the society we have today.
Next, the winning countries also had economic benefits, especially the United States, which had no waste of war and could fully enjoy reparations. England and France recovered quickly without not much difficulty. The situation was different for the Russian Empire, which was torn out by the participation in the war and had socio-political reforms ongoing there. Partially, WWI was the reason for the radical changes in this territory as the nation was infuriated right because of the high taxation for the army (Sharp, 2018). Hence, the country experienced an economic crisis together with the deterioration of the socio-political situation. The financial disadvantage was also experienced by Germany, which suffered from hyperinflation and severe pressure.
Generally, the world countries became suspicious of each other, which forced them to impose restrictions on international trade, capital flow, and immigration. While the countries of Europe suffered from a shortage of products and looked for the solution, the US developed its natural resources and became the world leader of the economy (Sharp, 2018). Later, this tendency to produce more was the cause of the Great Depression, as many products were provided, but the buying ability decreased significantly (Sharp, 2018). In such a way, the Great War affected the world’s economy for many years to come.
In cultural scope, the war inspired many artists and writers for a vast amount of emotions leading to emerging of many artistic streams. In the US, the popular culture was used to express the world’s state, and it became the basis for today’s pop art (Sharp, 2018). In Russia, because of the new political formation, new direction in art appeared, it was named socialist realism. Moreover, as the woman had more rights now, cultural exhibitions prepared by females arose (Sharp, 2018). The democratic mood around the world affected the development of authenticity, and people began to focus more on emotions and feelings.
To conclude, World War I brought dramatic changes in all aspects of life. Globally, politics and governmental structure of world countries were changed, which affected the later events and today’s situation. In social scope, people suffered from the burden of army funding. The world economy started being dependent on the American market and currency, which is the case today. Finally, the world’s culture profoundly described the socio-economic state of the world, moving towards human value and democracy.
Reference
Sharp, A. (2018). Versailles 1919: A centennial perspective. Haus Publishing Ltd.